One day every firefighter will have the training and equipment to safely escape a fire.

The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation (Joey D Foundation) believes that firefighters can’t save lives if they can’t save themselves. Too often firefighters become trapped unexpectedly due to collapse, flashover, backdraft or more and need to get out FAST. Sometimes the only way out is a window. Our organization knows this all too well – founded by people directly impacted by the FDNY “Black Sunday” where 3 firefighters lost their lives and 3 suffered life-changing injuries – all because they had no way out but a 5th story window.

That’s why we are committed to providing personal safety systems and training to fire departments in need. We achieve this by awarding grants for personal safety bailout systems for firefighters, and offering seminars taught by world class instructors. We hope there’s a day where every firefighter has a way out. And no family, department or community suffers the devastating impact of another “Black Sunday.”

Wildwood City Fire Department Says Thanks-"Without this grant we certainly would not have been able to outfit our entire department along with being able to provide the training that comes with it. Because of this grant we knowingly are able to better protect our city’s firefighters and are better equipped to provide the very best life safety and fire protection to our residents and many summertime visitors."

Contact the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation

Find Us on Facebook

A Tribute to Joey

The Lieutenant Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) exists to assist fire departments with their ability to purchase and train with rescue equipment. Toward that end, the Foundation does so without regard to race, religion, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation or age. The Foundation’s By-Laws, Annual Report, and Conflict of Interest Policy are available by writing to the Foundation at its home address.